Meredith comes to O's in deal for Salazar

Baltimore upgrades bullpen in trade for San Diego righty

CHICAGO -- The Orioles made a move to bolster their bullpen on Sunday by acquiring reliever Cla Meredith from the Padres in exchange for infielder Oscar Salazar.

The 26-year-old Meredith has appeared in 35 games for the Padres this season, going 4-2 with a 4.17 ERA. For his career, the right-hander is 14-12 with a 3.49 ERA.

Originally a sixth-round Draft choice of the Boston Red Sox in 2004, Meredith enjoyed his best professional season two years later in San Diego. Opponents hit .170 against Meredith in 2006, when he went 5-1 with a 1.07 ERA. During that time, he put together a scoreless streak that stretched across 28 appearances and 33 2/3 innings.

Meredith was born in Richmond, Va., and went to Virginia Commonwealth University. He heads back east to join a Baltimore bullpen that entering Sunday was 17-13 with a 4.51 ERA.

In the 31-year-old Salazar, the Orioles lose a reserve off the bench who was tied for the American League lead with four pinch-hits. He was batting .364 (4-for-11) with one home run and three RBIs in those situations.

Patrick Mooney is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.